Going Green - Alternative energy and its impact on real estate.

Power costs. 

No matter what form.

The cost of 'regular' power from non-renewable sources happens to still be the cheapest and most readily available.  But that is changing.  With an increased awareness of the impact that our current energy infrastructure is having on the world around us (geo-politically, environmentally and fiscally) I have noticed a marked increase in my little corner of the world in regards to the use of, and the rising cost of energy and how it affects the real estate market.

Many of my clients are now requesting to see properties that are specifically engineered for energy efficiency and/or solar power.  In an ever increasing inventory of homes, it is the properties that have the best features, are in the best conditions, and are priced the best that are getting the offers.  The 'amenity' of reduced or eliminated power bills and the allure of being 'green' is slowly becoming a major factor in the purchase decisions of buyers.  It makes total sense when I consider that my 'average' bill for power during the peak summer months is somewhere in the range of $500/mo. (~2400 sft home).  If I could cut that in half it would be worth $3000/yr!

I am not talking about living off the grid here or going completely overboard (i.e.- ed begley jr), but with the ever increasing costs of power, I can only foresee a greater impact on the other than money 'green factor' when it comes to construction and the real estate market in general.

What do you think?  Are you seeing this as a growing concern or interest with your clients? 

Please comment as I am now off on a tangent to see if I can find someone to retrofit my energy sucking home...

:)

-Jason Elrod